Roving in my Rover (Rover 214 Si)

Member Name: Tracy_1127

Product:	Rover 214 Si
Date:	24/07/08 (1202 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Reliable, inexpensive, comfortable, nice shape

Disadvantages: Automatic gearboxes cost money to fix

I bought one of these in 2005 as I needed to switch to an automatic due to some spinal problems. I wasn't particularly after a Rover just any automatic I could get about in. Mine was advertised on an auction site with no V5, tax or MOT and for some crazy reason I thought it would be a great idea to bid up to £1000 for it without having ever seen it! My partner can fix all things on a car except the automatic gearbox so I just went for it against his advice. It's a V reg.

When the car was delivered it looked fine (no rust etc) and the guy drove it in so I knew it at least drove! I actually ended up paying £900 for it which I know isn't a huge amount for a car, especially not an automatic, but I don't like to spend much on cars anyway. I eagerly awaited my partner's return home so he could have a look.

He did some mechanic sounds while he looked it over, some "hmmms" and "ahhs" and then said it seemed ok but lets take it for a drive. It drove perfectly. I was stunned it hadn't all gone wrong! So I taxed it, MOTed it (no work needed) and sent off for the V5. Changed my insurance over and was good to go.

I love this car, the seats are comfotable and it drives really well. It's not got a huge engine so is reasonable on petrol and all was well. I had 2 years with it needing no work, not even brake pads, flying through the MOTs with no hassles and I replaced a couple of tyres only. Very helpful!

Last year I was out in the winter, it had been raining heavily and we live in a rural area where there are many tiny roads that only allow one car to pass. I was on one of these roads when I met a woman in a 4x4 who seemed to think it would be best if I pulled onto the muddy, wet verge instead of her (we have loads of 4 wheel drives round here and many of the drivers seem to think this is the case). I put one set of wheels on the verge, she reluctantly did the same and passed me. When I tried to return to the road however I found my wheels were stuck in the mud. I used a bit more acceleration and lurched back onto the road. I thought that was it until I heard the noise.

A constant whirring noise had started, quite loud and obviously noticeable outside of the car as I received some funny looks on the way home. I asked my partner to have a look and he uttered those dreaded words everyone with an automatic car fears..."it's the gearbox". So I'd had a couple of years with no problems and now the most expensive problem had happened.

We have a garage about 30 miles away who specialise in automatics so after a chat with them I was advised to have it taken by trailer in case the damage was made worse by driving. They explained the noise sounded like a bearing and my car had 2 that it could be with the symptoms. The primary bearing which would mean a reconditioned gearbox would be cheaper or the secondary bearing which could be fixed in situ so would cost less. They had my car for a few days before they told me it was the secondary bearing and it would cost about £300 and did I also want them to change the exhaust and brake pads while they had it? No!!!

So they fixed it and it cost me £242 incl VAT which felt like alot but wasn't really when you consider the 2 years with no expense. I've since had an exhaust and brake pads fitted too, no charge for those as my partner also manages a parts business. But (touch wood) no further problems.

I love this car and hope to keep it for a while yet, I have a friend who hates my car but he drives a ferrari in the summer and a porsche in the winter so what do you expect?! It's comfortable, reliable, I get around 30-35 to the gallon as long as I drive and not my partner! It's easy to park, hasn't had many problems and nowadays you can pick up a reconditioned gearbox for about £600 possibly less if you shop around so it's more affordable to fix now if the gearbox dies. It's my favourite car out of all the ones I've had and I've had a few.

I recommend these cars.

Summary: I highly recommend them

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